Seasons, Change and Transition

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV)

I moved to my current location almost seven years ago, totally convinced of this verse from Genesis 12:1-2 . . . The Lord said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.” And because I left financial security and a successful ministry, many suggested that perhaps I misunderstood the call. Yes, it has been a tumultuous journey, but I have never doubted my decision. I am in the right place–at the right time–for such a time as this!

This is also my seventh year here and I believe that the number seven means “change” and/or “completion.” It is clear that I am in a new season in my life. It is a time of much change and spiritual restlessness that prevents me from doing anything “as usual.” My life is clearly in a state of transition.

For months, I desperately prayed for spiritual guidance and for understanding of my purpose. Daily I cried, “Lord, what do you want me to do? Where do I go from here?” I can only say, God hears and answers every prayer, but God’s Ways and Timing are not ours.

Recently, when I was severely pressed, stressed and stretched about the state of my life, I received an email from Alicia Britt Chole, which included excerpts from her book, Pure Joy. The devotional message is below in its entirety.

Transition…Where one season concludes and another commences…When our heart is journeying from one place of service to another…The path connecting who we are with who we will be.
During transitions we uproot and replant our sense of purpose, of value, of self. Between what was and what will be we often feel vulnerable, uncertain, and exposed.
Like Abraham, the Father calls us to “leave and go.” This journey from what is known to what only God can see is the journey of faith. Our map in such a journey is a two-word sentence: “Follow Me!”
We miss many a treasure when we attempt to avoid or rush through these seasons of change. Transitions refine our character and re-awaken our faith.

Needless to say, I rejoiced when I read these words. They answered so many questions I had struggled with and I heard God’s voice more clearly than I had in many years. I understood what God was doing in and through me here. I realized anew that The Holy One kept me through every season and in every place–ALL OF MY LIFE. As Chole further noted and I agree, “once again [I] must choose the path of dependence and remember that [my] true home is found not in a place but in a Person, our faithful God” who has been with me all the time. I know without a doubt, that I am here for a reason–for this very time and season. I realize this because of an old song my grandmother taught me years ago,which says: “Time is filled with swift transition. None on earth GOD moves can stand. Build your hopes on things eternal and hold to God’s unchanging hand.”

Admittedly, because of the blessing of long life and experience–“I’m old,” I began to think more highly of myself than I ought to think and believed I knew more than I know. But as someone once said, “It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.”

Seasons of change and transition, remind us that we could not survive one nanosecond without God. We must then “reassess our sense of purpose” and “choose again the path of dependence.”

Nothing God allows is ever wasted. Change prepared me for “such a time as this” and to trust God even more.

It’s a new season and a new day–with a fresh anointing and purpose. But most of all, it’s a Blessing to know that no matter where I am physically located, my true home, as Chole reminded me, “is found not in a place but in a person, our faithful God.”

Beloveds, Where are you in the season of your life? What changes do you sense in your spirit? Are you satisfied with where you are?

PRAYER:Father, I acknowledgemy weariness in well-doing and trying to “RUN” through the “gift” of life. I know now that You were simply calling me to continue to be faithful and to “WALK” in closer fellowship with YOU every day.” But most of all, thank you for the reminder (no matter life’s season) “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever.”I receive this Word and I thank you for your patience. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen